Thangamma Appakutty
Thangamma Appakutty | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 January 1925 |
| Died | 15 June 2008 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | social activist, philanthropist, educator |
| Known for | works related to Hinduism |
Kala Suri Thangamma Appakutty (7 January 1925 – 15 June 2008) was a Sri Lankan philanthropist, veteran religious personality, educator and social activist. She is recognised for her notable works on Saivism and was regarded as one of the main pillars in developing Hinduism in Sri Lanka.[1]
Career
Thangamma had her primary education at Ramanathan College, Chunakam. She became a well trained teacher in 1945 and served as a teacher at the Union College, Tellippalai for 12 years. She continued her teaching for nearly 31 years before calling her time in 1976.[2] She pursued her career mainly in charity and religious works after her retirement from teaching. She conducted lectures on the importance of Saivism and also helped to renovate and establish temples including the Tellippalai Durga Kovil. Thangamma became a pundit in Tamil and Saivism in 1952.[3]
She was also well known for her social work during the Sri Lankan Civil War where she helped several women and children who were terribly affected. She was also instrumental in the development of Education in Jaffna by helping to construct libraries and schools.[2]
Recognition
The University of Jaffna honored her with an honorary doctorate degree in 1998 for her contributions in the development of education in Jaffna. The Government of Sri Lanka honored her with the prestigious title Kala Suri in 1991 recognising her services towards the society.[4]
Death
Appakutty died at the age of 83 on 15 June 2008 due to illness.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Profile: Dr Thangamma Appakutti". Daily News Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- ^ a b TamilNet. "Thangamma Appakutty, from school teacher to a full time devotee passes away". www.tamilnet.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Thangamma Appakutty". Valai Tamil. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- ^ TamilNet. "Thangamma Appakutty awarded Kala Suri". www.tamilnet.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Staff (2008-06-18). "இலங்கை சமூக சேவகி தங்கம்மா அப்பாக்குட்டி மரணம்". tamil.oneindia.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 2019-10-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ TamilNet. "Thangamma Appakutty's last rites held". www.tamilnet.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)